Amanita Mollier

"Being raised off the grid in the Six Rivers National Forest much of my spare time was spent drawing and painting from the scenes around me. Encouraged by my art and photography teachers thru my younger years led me to pursue a bachelor’s in photography. Studying light led me to be a better artist, and photography has been a useful tool, both for inspiring the artistic process and to document the final outcome.
Silkpainting was introduced to me around 30 years ago and the possibilities of the medium fascinated me. Anything from fine art, wearables & home décor can be created on an array of silk fabric.

Although this medium was first discovered in Ancient China a couple thousand years ago, it is still fairly unknown in the United States. My process is to paint the dye directly on the silk fabric of my choice using a variety of brushes, building up layers to achieve detail. Both gutta-serti and hot wax can be used as a resist, either to outline shapes, or to protect light areas. Dye thickeners can also be used to change the viscosity of the dye for more controlled detail. When a painting is finished it is steam-set making the dye totally permanent; the resist is then removed, and then the silk is washed  to restore the brilliance. To me Silkpainting is a perfect blend of  loose spontaneity and the ability to achieve detail. 

The native flora and fauna of this beautiful area continues to  be my inspiration. Most weekends are spent exploring with my partner Martin Swett, cameras in hand. The more the remote, he better. More of my Silkpaintings, Oil Paintings, Art Cards and Metal Reproductions are available at Trinidad Art Gallery, and local stores/gift shops around the county. Enjoy."

​These are some representative pieces. Please visit Trinidad Art Gallery for the latest available pieces.
​